Pakistan triumphed over South Africa by 13 runs in the second T20I at Multan Cricket Stadium, which equalized the three-match series at 1-1.
Nida Dar reached a milestone by becoming the third Pakistani woman to accumulate 2,000 T20I runs. Captain Fatima Sana’s stellar 37 not out propelled Pakistan to their highest T20I total of 181/4.
Having won the first T20I by 10 runs, South Africa managed 168/4 despite Sune Luus (53 not out) and Chloe Tryon (30 not out) putting up an unbroken 80-run stand.
The Pakistani opening duo, Gull Feroza and Muneeba Ali initiated a solid start with a 25-run partnership in 3.2 overs before Gull was dismissed for 10. Muneeba, named player of the match, scored an aggressive 45, including six fours and two sixes. Sidra contributed 28, with a tally that included three fours and a six, taking Pakistan to 74/2 by 10.2 overs.
Contributions continued with Nida scoring 29 with four boundaries and Fatima’s vital 37 not out, which featured three fours and two sixes. Aliya Riaz also added 17 not out, hitting two fours and a six.
South Africa’s Tumi Sekhukhune was notable, taking 2/30.
The South African response saw them lose Tazmin Brits early for nine. Captain Laura Wolvaardt scored 36, but her dismissal in the ninth over slowed momentum. Anneke Bosch added 24 and Nadine de Klerk 12, but their exits saw South Africa reduced to 88/4 by the 13th over.
Pakistani bowlers Nashra Sundhu and Sadia Iqbal each took two wickets.
Muneeba reflected on the performance improvements needed after the last match, noting the need for a more assertive approach. “We had really honest conversations and decided we needed to step up. That’s how we want to play every game,” she stated.
South African captain Wolvaardt pinpointed the excess runs conceded as a key issue. “There were a couple of loose deliveries, and we conceded way too many extras, which didn’t help us,” she said.
The series will conclude with the decider on Friday.
